In Washington state, bounty hunters are referred to as bail bond recovery agents. These agents are regulated by the Washington Department of Licensing, and must meet stringent requirements with regards to training and criminal background checks. Thorough training is required of all bail bond recovery agents in Washington as it relates to the law, the use of firearms and other tools, and defensive tactics.

The Washington State Department of Licensing requires that all applicants to become bail bond recovery agents complete at least 32 hours of training. This training may be accomplished through public or private instruction and must include the following content areas:

Field operational procedures (through public or private instruction)(if you have completed law enforcement training in the past six years such as that required of peace officers, you are exempt from this requirement):

Safety techniques

Use of force/degrees of force

Custody and transporting prisoners, including those under the influence of drugs or alcohol and those who are emotionally disturbed or violent

Searching and entering buildings

Applying restraints and handcuffs

Defensive tactics

Civil or criminal law (through public or private instruction or self-study):

While possession of a college certificate or degree is not necessary to become a bail bond recovery agent in Washington, having this type of education can increase your success on the Bail Bond Recovery Agent exam and improve your chances of licensure. Going to bounty hunter school for a degree in one of the following areas is most helpful to Washington Bail Bond Recovery Agents:

Diploma-Criminal Justice

Associate of Applied Science-Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science-Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science- Criminal Justice Leadership Emphasis

Step 3. Submit an Application and Required Documentation to Become a Bail Bond Recovery Agent in Washington

The next step in your quest to become a bail bond recovery agent in Washington is to submit your application.

Attach proof of completion of the required 32 hours of training (a copy of the training course curriculum and certificate of completion, or transcript showing completion)

Submit licensure fee of $450 via check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing

Select two choices for your exam locations. A licensing representative will contact you after submitting your application to schedule the exam.

Obtain a fingerprint card from the Department of Licensing and take it to a law enforcement agency that does fingerprinting. Submit the completed fingerprint card to the address below with your application.

Once your application has been submitted, a licensing department representative will contact you to schedule your bail bond recovery agent exam. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You must get a score of 85 percent or better to pass. Exams are given at licensing offices statewide in:

Bellingham

Kent

Bel-Red Supercenter

Kennewick

Bremerton

Lynnwood Supercenter

Clarkston

Olympia

Everett

Omak

Federal Way

Parkland

Port Townsend

Port Angeles

Renton

Puyallup Supercenter

Seattle (25th Ave)

Sunnyside

Spokane (Sprague Ave)

Tacoma Supercenter (Yakima Ave)

Wenatchee

Walla Walla

Vancouver (136th Ave)

Union Gap

A study guide for the exam is provided on the Department of Licensing website.

If you pass the exam and your application is approved, you will be issued a license to become a Bail Bond Recovery Agent in Washington.

Step 5. Now that You’re a Bail Bond Recovery Agent in Washington

You have made it! You are now a licensed Bail Bond Recovery Agent in Washington! Make sure to maintain your license properly through the following methods:

You will be mailed a renewal notice 45 to 60 days before your license expires. You will be given instructions on how to renew your license and pay the $475 renewal fee

Complete eight hours of continuing education training each year. Keep records of your training and submit them to the Department of Licensing every three years.

If you carry a firearm, you must keep your firearm certification up to date through approved continuing education as well

Bail Bond Recovery Agent Employers in Washington

The following organizations are some of the major employers of bail bond recovery agents across the state of Washington: